The Challenge (Opportunity) Ahead George Rehm Extension Fertility Specialist University of Minnesota

Will Discuss A successful program in Oklahoma Erosion of support Examples of return on checkoff dollars Future research challenges (brief) The educational benefits

The Situation at Oklahoma State $.35/ton generates about $250,000 annually Fund has been in place since 1991 47 graduate degrees (many have stayed to work in Oklahoma) Able to leverage competative grants of about $2.5 million

The Major Achievement Development of sensor based N rate calculator to be used for in-season application of N for winter wheat and corn.

A Return on Investment: Iron Deficiency Chlorosis Problem Problem affects 500,000 acres in Minnesota About $282,000 invested to research this problem in past 5 years This equals $.56/acre for 5 years or about $.11/acre/year Conservative estimate of yield increase of 5 bu./acre At $5.00/bu.;this equals $25/acre/year 500,000 acres X $25/acre=$12,500,000/year

A Return on Investment: N Rate Management for Sugarbeets Total of $50,000 invested over 4 years =about $.10/acre/year for 120,000 acres Documented reduction of 20 lb.N/acre ($4.00/acre) Purity improved from 88% to 90.5%=$1.00/ton /% savings in processing cost Average yield =21 ton/acre = $42/acre $4.00+$42/acre=$46/acre to growers

Future Research Challenges Matching fertilizer management to tillage system A comprehensive approach to forage fertilization Predicting in-season application of fertilizer N. Reduction through fertilization of diseases that affect the root system.

Then and Now In Soil Fertility 1970: 3 full time teaching faculty; 2 funded to support about 3 graduate students per year 4 scientists at Research and Outreach Centers 4 Extension faculty 2005: 1 teaching faculty with no graduate students 2 scientists at Research and Outreach Centers 2 Extension faculty

The Benefits Stable support base to support research in soil fertility and fertilizer use Research will focus on production problems experienced by Minnesota crop producers U of M will be able to attract new faculty with established credentials A renewed graduate education program

Benefits Continued Ability to conduct long term research Environmental implications of fertilizer use will be based on fact rather than perception

Let’s Not Ignore The Educational Benefits Improved communication between crop producer and University faculty More rapid delivery of research results to Minnesota crop producer Improved coordination of educational programs Trained students stay in Minnesota to work with Minnesota agriculture